Kisha Grandy’s new album “Epitome” is out now, and it features amazing vocals from the hidden gem. The album begins with a snippet of The Clark Sisters classic, “Endow Me” which sets the tone for the album and Grandy’s big vocals.
The first full-length song of the album is “The Pursuit” an urban gospel jam. Grandy said of this track that she wanted to show her range and for those expecting it, that she has more than a gospel squall. This was one of the first songs completed on the project and like many of the songs, has relatable elements. “The Pursuit” touches the journey for Grandy’s pursuit of a music career, saying “I dreamed of this moment happening for me, but I didn’t think it come to pass since it’s been so long.
“I decided to pursue jazz, but a lady came to me and told me I would meet a guy I didn’t know that would do my entire project” (speaking of the father and son team of KJ Productions).
The next song on the album is “Fully Committed” another urban jam which Kisha says she feels the songwriter knew her in a former life and wrote about it. “Life has been challenging so, I’ve had issues with commitment…it’s personal to me. Totally easy recording this song because it’s me, it’s my life.” Adding to the conversation of Grandy’s range, this song features more of her robust lower vocal range.
“You Did It” is the first single from the album and what many listeners may already be familiar with from the “Epitome” project. Grandy says the song resonated with what she had gone through and is now walking into. “God did it when I thought it wouldn’t happen!”
She started at St Paul MBC and continues to sing each song like it’s her last time. Her voice, still easily recognizable after many years away from major artist attention, Grandy is back with the same power singing a new song. “I don’t know how to sing any other way. When I sing, I have to give it my all!”
Kisha Grandy Photo By: Kauwaune Burton
Since “The Family” was suddenly disbanded on the road and an era of gospel music came crashing down with little to no fanfare, Kisha Grandy has been everywhere. She’s been on stages and made an unforgettable name for herself as Vianne Griffin in “I Can Do Bad All By Myself”. She has seen so much and has taken in all the sights and sounds of an ever-evolving entertainment industry that makes little room for growing artists. But, Kisha Grandy is no growing artist. She’s an industry veteran, assuming her place where she has always belonged.
After experiencing the crushing blow of a dream that came crashing down with no recourse or recompense, it has been a long road to recover any semblance of industry potency but, Kisha Grandy is here in this moment, full circle! Kisha Grandy epitomizes the determination and willpower needed to last and survive the seasons of volatility in an ever-evolving entertainment industry.
Following the first single is a strong lead for the album’s next single, “Work It Out.” This funky, upbeat jam is one you can’t sit still to. You got to move to this one, but don’t miss the mastery in the music. There’s a breakdown in the song and an introduction to yet another layer of Kisha Grandy’s magic…scat! Grandy’s scat harkens back to her pursuit of a career as a jazz singer and she does it well. The chant during the chorus of the song title is crowd friendly and is what you will be repeating long after the song is done.
This song was a last-minute addition to the project and quite challenging but Grandy said that she was up for the challenge of adding an uptempo song, so late. All is not lost and much of what Grandy used to complete this song is “the little things” she learned while a member of “The Family” under the tutelage of Kirk Franklin.
Speaking of “The Family”, Kisha tapped “Mother” Sheila Brice to help her on the Hawkins classic, “God Is Standing By”. If you were waiting on a ‘Kisha Grandy song’, this is it. This is good old-school gospel music, what we used to hear in the car on KHVN 970 AM, and sing at church on Sunday morning. That squall you’ve been waiting for all album? You’ll find it, here. If you’re a shoe thrower, start unlacing your kicks now and be prepared to throw more than one!
When asked about the inclusion of “Mother”, Kisha says, “I was ready to record this one and I couldn’t think of anyone else to record this with-the backbone of “The Family,” Mother was always the one with reason.” For her part on the project, “Mother” said, “I asked Kisha, “Are you sure, why me?” People don’t have to be kind and don’t have to be kind to you! I thank God for everything that Kisha has done. Sometimes you think people have forgotten about you.“
Next up on the project is the best of both worlds with “All Because of You” featuring Kelton Je’Von. To sum up this track, let’s just say, ‘trap meets scat.’ Kisha was singing with a jazz group when she began work on the album so they decided to make the scat a part of the song.
Kisha Grandy Photo by: Kauwaune Burton
Back with more of Kisha Grandy’s gospel roots, the project pushes forward with a full, a cappella rendition of the Clark Sisters classic, “Endow Me.” Kisha confesses that she’s channeling one of her influences, Evangelist Dorinda Clark- Cole as she sings with her cousins VAA’DAM. Grandy wanted to pay homage to the first ladies of gospel music and thank them for their influence on singers, musicians, and the gospel industry as a whole. Many of their songs carry intricate harmonies and melodies that aren’t easily replicated but Grandy is satisfied with her offering saying, “I can’t sing like The Clark Sisters, but I put my foot in it!”
In another ‘family reunion’, Grandy teams up with husband-and-wife tandem Pastor Darrell and Latonja Blair for “More Than Ever.” You remember Blair from “The Family” as one of the men contributing to the signature sound. Following a few adlibs from Latonja, the song evolves into a duet with Kisha and Pastor Blair. The refrain echoed throughout the song comes from the scripture 2 Chronicles 7:14. What this track lacks is made up of sheer vocal power! Aside from an a cappella cover of “Endow Me”, this is the only track with no drums. This subtraction adds to the appeal of the song and launches it into contention alongside major mainstream offerings. This song will be on repeat and hopefully on the airwaves, as well. Such a timely song with a timeless message!
“The song resonated with me, and I knew the perfect person to help me call on God was Darrell.”
Get used to seeing Kisha Grandy and Norris J, the two are regular collaborators and have teamed up for the “You Did It” remix. Norris J says it was an easy yes for him, continuing their longstanding kinship as vocalist and lyricist. GRAMMY Award-winning recording and mix engineer, Rickey “Slikk Music” Offord produced the remix adding to his list of credits on the project.
This next one’s for the singers, “For I Know” featuring Terrell Carter. TC doesn’t hold back and brings his signature vocal clarity and acrobatics to the track as the two remind listeners that “it’s gonna get better!” Grandy says that working with Carter was the most challenging because it was hard to keep up with how impeccably he could riff throughout the song. The song is a musical conversation between longtime friends since the Tour of Life in 1996. Grandy says of Carter, “Terrell has always been an intricate person in my life, whenever I call him, he’ll drop whatever he’s doing to see what I want. He’s never forgotten me and I will always be indebted to him.”
The title track of the album is what Grandy calls “the Kirk Franklin song” alluding to the fact that putting it together reminded her of the way they put songs together while singing with “The Family.” The song closes with more scatting and Grandy’s voice-over summing up the project, “Epitome…that’s me!”
His iconic voice is not easily forgotten, his voice alone is a reminder of the glory days when choirs ruled the airwaves. As a member of the unforgettable ensemble Kirk Franklin & The Family, Dalon Collins’ voice lifted the choir’s message to new heights on songs like “Conquerors” and “Now Behold the Lamb” and other classic from the group. Since the untimely split that all but ended their careers, the singers have relied on their faith, resolve, industry connections and intrinsic fortitude to create a new life, post Franklin & The Family.
Collins, Kisha Grandy and most notably Tamela Mann are still actively creating new music and have ventured into the digital age with their music careers. Following the tumultuous tailspin of the Franklin fallout, Collins has kept busy singing and honing his skills as an actor. Last year, Collins starred in “The Jesus Freak“, a film that earned a limited national release and was seen in theaters in select markets across the country. On the heels of a new movie, soundtrack production and new music, Collins’ latest offering declares that God is “Worthy of the Glory”. The single is available on all digital platforms and will be featured as part of a forthcoming series by Ernest J. Lee. #TEAMWORSHIP
From Push-It Promotions:
It’s not every day that a vocalist comes along that can literally sing anything and cause the listener to be completely mesmerized by the purity of the voice and undeniable power that their gift possesses! Well the Gospel Music Industry is about to be reintroduced to one such vocalist, we’re speaking of none other than the incomparable Dalon Collins formerly of Kirk Franklin’s platinum selling group The Family! Dalon is back with a very powerful song offering aptly entitled “Worthy of the Glory”. This Unique Gift to the world has been sorely missed, but he more than makes up for his absence with this Melodic but Anointed song! Dalon’s smooth & distinct soaring tenor easily navigates the song’s hills and valleys and brings home the bold declaration that our God is INDEED “Worthy of the Glory”! In a time of great uncertainty and trying times, it’s good to know that we have a hope in HIM that cannot be shaken, and Collins delivers this message with great execution and excellence! So as you listen, think about what GOD is to you and let him know, Lord , YOU truly are Worthy!
Singer and songwriter Ramona White is R&B, Gospel and Retro-Soul’s rising star. Though, White has already had success performing with artists such as Kirk Franklin and the Family, Dalon Collins and more, she is ready to reveal herself to the world as a solo artist. Ramona has had major success singing and acting in many productions. Her anticipated EP will be released in early 2018 featuring her new hit single “If Only“, which debuts October, 2017 and will be featured in her upcoming dynamic new one-woman musical stage-play “Nell, Her story and My story Too“.
Many people live the same archetypal stories. We are human beings and we have more in common than we can imagine with each other. We often think, “Oh I have such an original story” – and some people do. However, some people have lived an experience that is really rare, and really unique.
Nell Carter, born September 13, 1948 in Birmingham, Alabama was an American Singer and Actress. She won a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway Musical, Ain’t Misbehavin’, as well as an Emmy Award for her reprisal of the role on the television show, Gimme a Break.
Ramona White, born May 5, 1971 in Fort Worth, Texas is an American Singer and Actress. She won rave reviews for her role as Lola Rose in Murder in Motown and in the movie Deception of Love, directed by Snoop Robinson.
Both actresses have trademark sass complimented by a distinctively adenoidal voice. They each developed an early interest in singing that led to performances in various youth groups, the church choir and even the gospel circuit.
This was positive distraction from the major traumas suffered during their early life which included the tragic death of both their fathers, and rape as a child; Nell, at gun point as a teenager while walking home from church and Ramona, once as a child by a relative and again as a teenager by her mother’s boyfriend.
Nell Carter passed away January 23, 2003 of a heart attack brought on by complications from diabetes. There’s so much in this kind of process that Ramona has cut away, cut out and that she has let go of. Her heroine journey struggles are elements of her great one women show with transformation.
Ramona White is a very brilliant, very great improviser and actress. Her show spans her lifetime and thematically is very strong. It focuses around her dysfunctional experiences then it flashes back to childhood where there were some red flags around that, her putting the pieces together and then her own spiritual and healing journey of how she chose to deal with that.
This one woman show Nell staring Ramona White, “Her story and My story too”, intertwines both Nell and Ramona’s theatrical and singing similarities with favorite songs from Nell Carter and a few of Ramona’s favorite songs and concludes with an original song written by Ramona that inspires anyone that hears it. This show has humor, characters, direct spiritual insight and wisdom, and music. It’s not just your typical show, but a spectacular production that will leave you in awe. For show times and tickets, click here.
About Ramona White: A captivating singer/songwriter, Ramona White is a passionate, soulful performer who takes listeners on a journey through a musical world where Contemporary R&B meets Retro-Soul balanced with the Quiet Storm and Gospel. Her lyrics, reflective of her southern Lone Star roots, embrace the essence of a spiritual and fullness for life from an urban perspective. She hails from Fort Worth, Texas and was a member of Kirk Franklin & the Family. Ramona took a hiatus from “The Family” to begin her own family, giving birth to two beautiful daughters.
After some time, Ramona rejoined the music circuit, singing lead in several bands including Soaring Higher, Common Ground, and The Inspiration Band. Getting back to her gospel roots, she joined the award-winning gospel choir Inspired Voices having one of their most memorable performances at the Verizon Theatre How Sweet the Sound Dallas that included some of the nation’s greatest choirs. Soon after, Ramona became the Praise and Worship Leader at Greater Friendship Church.
Ramona tapped into her thespian talent co-staring in the stage play Seven Women, One Man alongside leading man, R&B singer, songwriter, and stage play actor with Tyler Perry Productions, Tony Grant. She also scored the leading role as Lola Rose in Buttons Murder Mysteries including Murder in Motown.
From stage to screen, Ramona landed the role of Gertie in the movie Deceptions of Love, produced and directed by Snoop Robinson. In 2017, she performed with Communion during the Stellar Awards weekend on The Rite Marketing’s Radio Showcase. Ramona has also modeled for the phenomenal Dallas designer Tawny Hanes’ Jewel in His Crown Fashion Extravaganza and posed for an Epic Photo Spread by Designer Tyra Robinson, Photographed by the dynamic Roderick Conner. To hone in on her bilingual gift, Ramona speaks Spanish fluently and performs songs in Spanish such as Como La Flor from her favorite Latino artist, Selina.
Ramona White’s much anticipated CD self-titled Ramona is expected to be released in the Spring of 2018. Her hit single If Only will be release in the Fall of 2017. The CD Ramona is a compilation of songs written by Ramona that reflect the pieces of her life and how they have come together. It also expresses her desire to use her experiences to encourage and edify others. To learn more about Ramona White visit her website at www.ramonamusic.net.
